US sends warning to Bangladesh on free election

[Black_cats]

New visa policy merely to support democratic electoral process: Ambassador Haas tells FM

BANGLADESH​

UNB
25 May, 2023, 06:35 pm
Last modified: 25 May, 2023, 06:35 pm

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Thursday said the newly announced visa policy was merely the US' way of helping the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after meeting with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.

Ambassador Haas said they discussed the new visa policy, among other issues, noting that this is something they have done in support of Bangladeshis, the government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and everyone who supports a free and fair election.

He said the meeting with Momen was part of their regular series of meetings.

"We talked about US-Bangladesh relations, our growing relationship across a whole number of areas."

Earlier, the US ambassador met the representatives of the major political parties and discussed the new US visa policy.

Representatives of the Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party were present.

"We support free and fair elections. The new visa policy to restrict visas to those who undermine the democratic process applies to everyone," said Ambassador Haas.

New visa policy merely to support democratic electoral process: Ambassador Haas tells FM

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Thursday said the newly announced visa policy was merely the US' way of helping the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh. He made the remarks while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after meeting with Foreign Minister AK Abdul...

www.tbsnews.net

US visa policy: AL, BNP, JaPa representatives meet US Ambassador Peter Haas

BANGLADESH​

TBS Report
25 May, 2023, 03:50 pm
Last modified: 25 May, 2023, 04:58 pm

The meeting discussed the latest policy of the US, which restricts visa for any Bangladeshi believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.​

Photo: Collected

Representatives of the ruling Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party held a meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Thursday (25 May) over the latest visa policy of the US.

The policy restricts visas for any Bangladeshi believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

The meeting started around 12:00pm in the ambassador's Gulshan residence and ended at 2:00pm.

Selim Mahmud, Awami League research secretary, and Mohammad A Arafat, AL central committee member, attended the meeting on behalf of the ruling party.

The Jatiya Party was represented by Mujibul Haque Chunnu and the BNP was represented by its standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and organising secretary Shama Obaid.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Khosru said the US visa ban was a reflection of the international community's concern about fair elections. "This is a big step towards holding free and fair elections in Bangladesh. We welcome this step."

Jatiya Party Secretary General Advocate Mujibul Haque Chunnu told the media, "The US government has asked for the opinion of political parties on the visa policy announced for Bangladesh. Each party has given their opinion. The Awami League and BNP leaders spoke about the election, law and order forces."

He said, "We understand the purpose of the US visa policy regarding Bangladesh; they want the election to be fair and competitive. Our party also agrees on the matter."

The AL representatives did not speak to the gathered media personnel.

After the meeting, the US Embassy in Dhaka posted a message on their Facebook page saying, ""We support free and fair elections. The new visa policy to restrict visas to those who undermine the democratic process applies to everyone."

US visa policy: AL, BNP, JaPa representatives meet US Ambassador Peter Haas

The meeting discussed the latest policy of the US, which restricts visa for any Bangladeshi believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

www.tbsnews.net

 

[firohot4321]

what about Pakastan???

Pakistan mazboot hatho me ha

 

[Black_cats]

BNP welcomes new US visa restrictions

POLITICS​

UNB
25 May, 2023, 04:35 pm
Last modified: 25 May, 2023, 06:30 pm

Welcoming the US's new visa policy targeting the next national election in Bangladesh, the BNP on Thursday hoped that it would play a supporting role in ensuring fair elections.

"There is no reason for their party to be worried about the US move since it is involved in vote rigging," BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru also said while talking to reporters in front of the party chairperson's Gulshan office.

"We welcome this decision of the US as it was made considering the concern of the people of Bangladesh over the next general elections. I think this step will at least play a supporting role in holding the next polls in a fair and credible manner," he said.

Khasru, also the chairman of BNP's foreign affairs committee, also said the US move has sent out a message that the people of Bangladesh can't exercise their right to franchise and their constitutional rights have been taken away while their lives are at risk.

Stating that vote rigging is prevalent in Bangladesh, he also said the US new visa policy is a big message to stop election manipulation in the days to come.

Khasru said the ruling party should be worried about their future if they indulge in vote rigging instead of restoring people's voting and democratic rights.

He also said, "There's no discussion about the election of other countries. The US visa policy was announced exclusively for Bangladesh and its specific organisations and individuals."

The United States on Wednesday announced a new visa policy specific to Bangladesh, with a view to promoting free and fair elections.

"Under this policy, we can impose visa restrictions on individuals and their immediate family members if they are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

BNP welcomes new US visa restrictions

Welcoming the US's new visa policy targeting the next national election in Bangladesh, the BNP on Thursday hoped that it would play a supporting role in ensuring fair elections. "There is no reason for their party to be worried about the US move since it is involved in vote rigging," BNP...

www.tbsnews.net

 

[leonblack08]

US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh: Shahriar Alam​

Prothom Alo English Desk
Published: 24 May 2023, 15: 36

US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh: Shahriar Alam

State minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam said on Wednesday that the new visa policy announced by the US government "does not bother" the government of Bangladesh as authorities are "committed" to holding a free and fair election

en.prothomalo.com

Shahriar AlamFile photo

State minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam said on Wednesday that the new visa policy announced by the US government "does not bother" the government of Bangladesh as authorities are "committed" to holding a free and fair election, reports UNB.

"It's not a sanction. BNP should be worried as violence before or during election is another criterion that will trigger visa restriction," he told UNB in a quick response when his reaction was sought.


Shahriar Alam

The state minister said they will give official reaction in detail once they know details about the policy on Thursday.

The United States on Wednesday announced a new visa policy to promote free and fair elections in Bangladesh.

"Under this policy, we can impose visa restrictions on individuals and their immediate family members if they are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced.

Of course it doesn't, because Begum para is in Toronto and that's where they will flee when it's time. I hope Canada follows the US action. But even then won't be of much of a deterrent, as properties are in the names of their spouses or children.

 

[Black_cats]

Of course it doesn't, because Begum para is in Toronto and that's where they will flee when it's time. I hope Canada follows the US action. But even then won't be of much of a deterrent, as properties are in the names of their spouses or children.

It applies to wife and children as well!

 

[Black_cats]

US VISA POLICY FOR BANGLADESH​

Bangladesh expects visa curb won’t be arbitrary​

Staff Correspondent | Published: 23:45, May 25,2023 | Updated: 02:24, May 26,2023

The government on Thursday said that Bangladesh expected that the new visa policy announced by the United States restricting visas for Bangladeshi individuals undermining the democratic election process would not be applied arbitrarily in a non-objective manner.

‘Bangladesh would like to view this announcement in the broader context of its government’s unequivocal commitment to holding free and fair elections at all levels for upholding the country’s democratic process. However, Bangladesh expects that such visa policy will not be applied arbitrarily in a non-objective manner,’ said a foreign ministry statement issued a day after the US announcement on the new visa policy made on Wednesday.

The government of Bangladesh has taken note of the announcement made by the US Secretary of State on a visa restriction policy pursuant to the so-called 3C provision under the US Immigration and Act, it said.

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen , however, said that the government was under no pressure and it had nothing to worry about the new policy as it was the ruling Awami League’s commitment to make sure that the elections were held in a free and fair manner.

After a prescheduled meeting with US ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas at his ministry, Momen said that he had asked the envoy whether such a visa restriction had any impact in promoting democracy as the US had already imposed similar restrictions in Somalia and Nigeria.

Saying that the election is nowhere perfect in the world, Momen commented that it would be good for the country if the US move helped in containing the violence and ensuring a peaceful election.

The newly announced visa policy is to support the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh, said Haas, adding that this is something done in support of the Bangladeshi people, the Bangladesh government, the prime minister herself and everyone here, who support free and fair elections.

The government statement said that under prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh remains a democratic and politically stable nation with experiences of holding a series of elections at national and local levels.

It mentioned that the government attached importance to freedom of assembly and association for all peaceful and legitimate democratic processes.

The national Election Commission continues to be equipped with the wherewithal to carry out its functions in full independence, credibility and efficiency, the statement added.

The government, it went on to say, appreciates that the international community, including the US, firmly stands by the prime minister’s sustained commitment to ensure free and fair elections.

The United States on Wednesday announced a new visa policy to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair and peaceful national elections, restricting visa for any Bangladeshi individual undermining the democratic election process.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed the announcement at the department’s daily briefing in Washington.

The US notified the Bangladesh government of this decision on May 3, he told the briefing.

‘Under this policy, the United States will be able to restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh,’ he said, quoting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

United States Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu clarified that immediate family members of people found involved in undermining the Bangladesh election would be subjected to visa restrictions.

Speaking on Channel I’s popular talk show Tritiyo Matra, hours after Blinken announced the new visa policy for Bangladesh, Lu said, ‘I want to make something very clear. We have not sanctioned anybody today… the Secretary of State has issued a new policy today which allows the US government to restrict US visas for anyone found to be impeding or undermining free and fair elections in Bangladesh.’

Bangladesh expects visa curb won’t be arbitrary

The government on Thursday said that Bangladesh expected that the new visa policy announced by the United States restricting visas for Bangladeshi individuals undermining the democratic election process would not be applied arbitrarily...

www.newagebd.net

 

[Black_cats]

Family members of people undermining Bangladesh polls to face US visa restrictions: Lu​

Staff Correspondent | Published: 12:37, May 25,2023

United States Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu.

United States Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has clarified that immediate family members of people found involved in undermining the Bangladesh election would be subjected to visa restrictions.

Speaking on Channel I's popular talk show Tritio Matra, hours after US secretary of states Antony Blinken announced a new visa policy for Bangladesh, Lu said, ‘I want to make something very clear. We have not sanctioned anybody today… the secretary of state has issued a new policy today which allows the US government to restrict US visas for anyone found to be impeding or undermining free and fair elections in Bangladesh.

‘So this could be members of the government, members of the judiciary, could be law enforcement, or it could be the members of the opposition, Our view is the defence of democracy is both necessary and essential for Bangladesh to continue to move forward as a leader in South Asia and around the world,’ he said.

Stating that the police would be applied equally to members of government and members of opposition, he said that if the US were to find a member of the opposition had been involved in violence to undermine the election through voter intimidation, the person would not get a US visa.

‘Similarly, if we were to find a member of government or law enforcement involved in voter intimidation, violence, or denial of free speech, we would not allow that person to travel to the United States,’ he said.

‘Immediate family members, meaning spouses and children, are subject to the same visa restriction,’ he added.
Blinken announced the new visa policy on Wednesday to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections by restricting visa for any Bangladeshi individual undermining the democratic election process.

Family members of people undermining Bangladesh polls to face US visa restrictions: Lu

United States Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has clarified that immediate family members of people found involved in undermining the Bangladesh election would be subjected to visa restrictions....

www.newagebd.net

 

[Species]

Get ready to accept Dr Muhammad Younus as next head of state of Bangladesh through a national unity Govt!

There was a plan but is it still on the table? Prof. Yunus seems to be almost forgotten now, rarely see him talking to the media.

Also, does the new visa restriction also include the govt. employees? I recently saw a report the govt. is planning to increase salaries of govt. employees in the next budget which is obviously an election gimmick.

 

[Bilal9]

There was a plan but is it still on the table? Prof. Yunus seems to be almost forgotten now, rarely see him talking to the media.

Hasina hates his guts and knows he's a legit contender. That is why.

A semi-educated person and a Nobel winner?

No contest.....

 

[VikingRaider]

There was a plan but is it still on the table? Prof. Yunus seems to be almost forgotten now, rarely see him talking to the media.

I don't know. But few days ago ( maybe a week ago , but not more than 2 weeks) VP Nurul Haq said that, we have an asset like Dr Younus and we can be beneficial from him! He is supporting a national unity govt. But not indeed under Hasina! Rather he wants it under Dr Younus!

Same was prescribed by Dr Jafarullah chowdhury!

He may not talk publicly , and that actually made him the best candidate for a non political technocrat head!

Also, does the new visa restriction also include the govt. employees? I recently saw a report the govt. is planning to increase salaries of govt. employees in the next budget which is obviously an election gimmick.

Who was main responsible for 2018 farcical selection? ( it wasn't election you know!)


Indeed Govt employees right? Now Only govt employees can help this BAL to arrange another farcical election!

So indeed they should be targeted! And will under USA restrictions! And also they mentioned that any OPPOSITION members will be responsible for it will be restricted too!

I hear that lost of BNP leaders are sold out to Govt!

Perhaps they are also targeted?

 

[surmabhopali]

It will be expanded to other countries I'm sure. Even Modi's India. But they will tread lightly in that case. Modi has much more 'Pull' and has far more leverage.

Bangladesh and Pakistan does not.

Plus bhakts are very good at begging and prostrating to feet. Instead of Modi it will be Blinken's and Biden's feet....

Biden is asking for friend Modi's autograph , Modi is boss of Australian PM, one PM touches Modis feets , Sunak is indian origin hindu , jaishankar dont give any importance to european union ,Educated Indians are leading the world , all others can apply burnol at the place where it is hurting most .

 

[Bilal9]

Ok bro india stronk. india, a hyper power.

But, every now and then we observe china grabs your land and fuks your soldiers! Why?

Ignore these bhakt characters - they give a bad name to decent Indian folks.

Every week a dozen appear in PDF, soon to get banned....

Semi-educated "new Indians" like him are just looking for attention and validation.

Well we don't have any to spare.

Tell him to look somewhere else.

 

[bluesky]

Not sure how much you have been following the turmoil in Pak, its parliment, institutions are a complete mess, none of them are reliable and are highly corrupt. So this is why a VONC which happened under legal auspices but was done by horse trading which is illegal itself makes the VONC not credible either. Pakistanis dont want american intervention, far from it. I would say people in general want consistency in policy from the US not the inconsistency it keeps showing especially when it talks about spreading democrasy.

It applies to wife and children as well!

Yes, you are right. But, the restrictions are applied in America, and Canada would welcome these corrupt people because it needs more people.

 

[bluesky]

Sometimes what happens is based on people's irrational feelings not so much objectives. Plainly Biden don't like IK.

IK should demand new elections. But, he is after the govt and military and is continuously destabilizing the situation when Pakistan is suffering from many ills including shortage of forex.

Biden has nothing to do in a country in which the election system is almost as per international standard. BD is so different with one party election like in a communist country.

Unless restricted, BD will turn into another N. Korea with Chinese patronage.

 

[PradoTLC]

what about Pakastan???

Pakistan was part of regime change OPS...

u really didn't think US believes in democracy